Object Type: Metalwork

Medium and Support: Silver

Credit Line: Maurice R. and Maxine B. Forman Fund

Accession Number: 2006.54

Location: Currently on view

The Memorial Art Gallery recently acquired several outstanding examples of Jewish ceremonial art from the collection of Central Synagogue, the oldest Jewish house of worship in continuous use in New York City. All seven objects were made in southern Germany, a region important for the production of silver as well as the original homeland for many of the early members of Central Synagogue’s congregation.

These beautifully crafted works of art represent a range of ritual objects used in Jewish religious practice. The importance of beautifying such objects is eloquently captured in the principle of hiddur mitzvah. This expression, which literally means to beautify a commandment, is biblically grounded in Moses’ words following the Israelites’ escape from Egypt: “This is my God, and I will glorify Him.” (Exodus 15:2).

The collection includes ritual objects related to the celebration of the Sabbath, the spiritual focus of Judaism: a pair of candlesticks, a Kiddush cup and two spice containers. These were once used in the home, as was the Hanukkiah, an oil lamp lit during the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. Also included is a Tas, a decorative and functional object that originally ornamented the Torah in a synagogue.

Kiddush is a blessing of sanctification said over wine during Sabbath and festival celebrations. A text from the Book of Exodus (20:8), "Remember the Sabbath Day and Keep It Holy," is inscribed in Hebrew around the rim of this Kiddush cup. Interspersed with the biblical text are three crowns that refer to a traditional proverb: "There are three crowns-- the crown of Torah, the crown of the priesthood, and the crown of kingship, but the crown of a good name exceeds them."

[Adapted from gallery label text, 2006]